Native WBTC Staking on Starknet with Xverse Validator: Here’s How It Works!

The rise of BitcoinFi has introduced new opportunities to earn yield on bitcoin. One of the latest ways to do so is by staking wBTC on Starknet. 

Xverse is bringing protocol-level Starknet staking to your wallet using wBTC, allowing you to earn staking rewards directly within Xverse. Read on to learn how it works.

TL;DR

• You can stake wBTC in your Xverse Wallet under the Earn tab to earn rewards paid in STRK.
• Xverse’s native wBTC staking on Starknet comes with no liquid staking provider fee and no slashing risk.
• Unstaking is subject to a seven-day withdrawal cooldown.

Introducing Native WBTC Staking on Starknet

Xverse is introducing native wBTC staking on Starknet using Xverse Validator, bringing protocol-level yield directly to the interface you already know and love. 

The feature is part of Xverse Earn, which is already home to different staking and stacking opportunities across the ecosystem. 

This capacity comes with zero slashing risk and the ability to claim your rewards at any time.

How Does Native WBTC Staking Work Using Xverse Validator?

Native wBTC staking is very simple. Let’s get you through the most important aspects.

What is Xverse Validator?

Xverse Validator is the name of Xverse’s native delegation pool for the Starknet network, as well as the authority that makes governance decisions using this stake. 

It’s a Bitcoin-aligned staking environment that operates directly through Starknet’s protocol, without liquid staking tokens or third-party liquid staking providers. The staking structure does not involve slashing of wBTC collateral, and users retain control of their wallet keys throughout the process.

Native WTBC Staking on Starknet Explained 

Native wBTC staking using Xverse includes holding wBTC that you then deposit into the staking pool, which lets the Xverse Validator participate in Starknet’s staking and validation process. 

In return, you get rewards paid out in the STRK token that you can claim at any time and have them land in your Xverse wallet. 

Withdrawing your wBTC stake, however, is subject to a 7-day unbonding period.

How to Stake WBTC Using Xverse Validator, Step-by-Step

The process of staking is exceptionally intuitive and only takes a few minutes start to finish.

Set Up Your Wallet

Download the Xverse wallet and set it up if you haven’t done so already. Store your recovery phrase in a secure location and fund the wallet with wBTC on Starknet, either by sending them or swapping your BTC for them. 

Choose wBTC Staking in the Earn Section

At the bottom of the wallet, you’ll find the Earn tab. Here you’ll see the different staking options that are currently available. 

Choose Stake WBTC (Native) to get started.

Stake Your Position

Enter the amount you want to stake, review the details like APY, TVL, etc., then complete the transaction. 

Xverse doesn’t charge any liquid staking provider fees, which means you’ll only need to cover the network fee.

Claim Your Rewards

As soon as they start accumulating, you can claim your STRK rewards manually whenever you want to. You’ll see the projected rewards when first committing your stake, so check back often to send them to your wallet.

When Ready, Unstake

Unstaking is a longer process, since it takes seven days from the time you initiate it until it’s completed and your wBTC back in your wallet, so make sure you begin on time. 

You can unstake from the same Earn tab that you started your staking adventure from.

Why Stake Your WBTC With Xverse Validator?

There are a few key advantages to using Xverse Validator to stake your WBTC. Let’s take a look at them.

Zero Slashing Risk

The total wBTC collateral on Starknet can’t be slashed. If a validator becomes inactive, users will simply receive fewer rewards, but the principal is never truly at risk. This means that entrusting your funds to the Xverse Validator doesn’t carry the risk of losing them through protocol rules.

Non-Custodial Security

Xverse is non-custodial by design, which means your keys (and therefore your funds) always remain in your control. This is significantly more secure than a more centralized approach that requires a high degree of trust.

Cost-Effective Yield

With no staking and unstaking fees that are usually associated with liquid providers, this option offers cost-effective yield opportunities. That means you can stake your wBTC and mostly forget about it, other than checking in periodically to collect your rewards.

Single App Experience

There’s no need to switch between different interfaces and services. The whole process is handled from within a single app that you’re likely already familiar with. It’s intuitive and very user-friendly, plus it offers loads of support whenever you need it.

Earn Non-Custodial Yields on Your Native WBTC

If you’re ready to start earning a yield on WBTC, Xverse is the best place to do it. Take advantage of its high security, non-custodial nature, and remarkably user-friendly interface to begin gaining cost-effective yield with no risk of slashing.

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Download the Xverse wallet today to start taking advantage of the Xverse Validator.

FAQs

What tokens can I stake with Xverse Validator?

The Xverse Validator lets you stake the wBTC token on the Starknet protocol and receive STRK tokens in return. This gives you access to yield, while the Validator participates in the network’s consensus.

Do I need STRK tokens to stake WBTC?

You don’t need STRK tokens to stake wBTC, since this is the token that rewards are paid out in. In other words, you stake only wBTC, but you receive STRK as your reward later on.

How are staking rewards paid?

Staking rewards are paid in the STRK token, but you’ll need to claim them manually. It’s best to check back periodically to see if there are any rewards to claim.

Can I unstake my WBTC anytime?

Yes, you can unstake your wBTC anytime, but you’ll need to wait seven days before your stake is released. This period is called the seven-day withdrawal cooldown.